Cubs Interested in B.J. Ryan?

According to a report from the Chicago Tribune, “the Cubs are expected to make a run at former Blue Jay closer B.J. Ryan when he clears waivers on Monday.” Jim Hendry discussed the Cubs interest in Ryan last Thursday during his time with Dave Kaplan on Sports Central. Hendry said he talked with his scouts about Ryan and mentioned that he had spoken with Ryan’s agent earlier in the day.

B.J. Ryan is under contract for the next two seasons at the Blue Jays expense. If the Cubs sign the lefty reliever he would cost them $200,000 this season and $400,000 next year.

According to the Tribune, if the Cubs can sign B.J. Ryan he could take over for Sean Marshall in the pen and in turn, Marshall could return to the rotation. The Cubs were rumored to be very interested in B.J. Ryan prior to him signing with the Blue Jays before the 2006 season (5 years, $47 million).

Reed Johnson told the Tribune he thinks Ryan would “be a great fit in the clubhouse.”